Difference Between Digital Printing Posters and Large Format: What You Need to Know

What's the difference between digital printing for posters and large format printing? Digital poster printing is a type of large format printing that focuses on producing high-quality images and graphics on A3 or larger paper. While all prints at this size are considered large format, large format printing itself is much broader, covering everything from banners and signage to technical drawings and maps. Use this poster vs. large format printing guide to understand both concepts.

Like all sectors that use technology, the printing industry has evolved significantly in recent years. Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) professionals now have unprecedented capabilities to produce high-quality visual prints right from their own offices. Zeroing in on the difference between digital printing of posters and large format printing can help you access the capabilities you need most.

Digital printing bypasses the printing plates and ribbons of older designs and sends files directly to the printer, which applies ink directly to the media. These machines enable offices to print a diverse range of documents with minimal delays and high quality that rivals the best traditional printing methods.

Large format printing refers to machines that can print on paper sizes from A3 all the way up to 1.5 m or more, opening the door to the types of large blueprints and posters that the AEC industry relies on.

From complex design concepts to technical specifications and project details, AEC documents must be precise enough to convey information accurately. Sometimes, they also need to be large enough for multiple people to view them. Understanding the strengths of different printing types makes it easier to find the solution that will provide the most beneficial results.

As a subset of large format printing, there are some unique considerations to make when discussing the printing of digital posters.

Most digital poster printing relies on inkjet technology to produce high-resolution output on various media. Key features of professional poster printers include:

• Excellent colour reproduction
• Extended colour gamuts
• Precision detail
• Flexible printing options

The industry typically considers A3 to be the smallest poster size. Most large format printers can print up to A1, and many can print at A0 or larger. Depending on the use case, posters may use any of these sizes.

AEC firms typically use digitally printed posters to convey:

• Architectural renderings
• Project timelines
• Design presentations
• Marketing materials
• Competition submissions

One of the significant advantages of professional poster printers is that they can work on a large number of materials, including standard paper and photo paper.

After printing, these materials are often further treated with lamination.

To really understand the difference between digital printing for poster and large format applications, let's explore large format printing more broadly to understand its full capabilities.

Large format printing typically refers to the width of the media. Depending on the model, this might be anything from A3 size to 2.5 metres. It's common for these machines to use not only paper rolls but also canvas, fabrics, and other materials, which allows them to print at nearly any length.

AEC firms frequently, but not exclusively, print poster-style documents. Large format printers also open the door to applications that include:

• Construction banners
• Site signage
• Blueprint reproduction
• Topographical maps

These applications often require durability and weather resistance. Large format printing can deliver those qualities while maintaining excellent readability.

As poster printing is a subset of large format printing, these printers are capable of printing on all the media typically used for posters, as well as:

• Polyester films
• Mesh material
• Specialised media

The materials offer strengths such as increased tear resistance and improved archival quality.

The benefit of being able to print large documents is massive, but the quality of those documents will suffer if the document isn't prepared correctly. Simply scaling up something meant to be printed at a smaller size will result in a blurry and hard-to-read image. For ideal results, your file should be authored at an appropriate resolution for the output size, and your printer should be capable of 2400 DPI or higher.

AEC firms often depend on their plotters to print digital posters that showcase their best work or highlight award-winning projects as part of their marketing strategies. This form of printing falls within the broader category of large format printing. We will examine other types of large format printing that extend beyond digital poster printing to continue exploring the difference between digital printing for poster and large format applications.

Digital printing vs. wide format printing is often just a matter of size and scale. Digital poster printing is usually limited to materials up to A0. But large format printing more broadly can go all the way up to 2.5 metres wide.

Digital poster printing uses precision inkjet heads to output high-resolution graphics with accurate colours. Large format printers, such as HP's Latex series, go beyond digital poster printer capabilities for scalable vector handling, optimising signage, decorating on-site exhibitions, creating vehicle wraps, and more. They feature quick setup with minimal material waste and dependable performance.

A printer that's specifically designed for posters might have more limited media type options and sizes than a more broadly focused large format printer.

A large format printer capable of handling more than poster printing will have greater upfront costs. But it will be more flexible and offer lower costs per square foot.

• Digital poster printing: Marketing materials, client presentations, design visualisation
• Large format printing: Window graphics, wall and floor murals, event booth backdrops, etc.

For the needs of AEC firms, including printing blueprints, posters for marketing, and general office printing, it’s better to get an HP DesignJet meant for such applications. While there is a big difference between digital printing for poster and large format applications, modern large format printers can handle both tasks.

AEC firms may print numerous documents in poster style, as these are effective for conveying information to clients or staff. However, firms also print technical drawings, blueprints, and other large and highly technical documents. Unless you can support multiple printers, AEC firms should focus on options that handle both functions well.

Although each model has its strengths and weaknesses, each printer in the HP DesignJet line of large format printers offers exceptional accuracy and presentation-quality output. As professional-grade devices, these printers offer reliable and consistent performance with the excellent colour management required for both posters and colour-coded technical documents.

The versatility of a large format printer means that you'll have a lot more options. Selecting the right combination of options ensures the highest quality output. Learn the following capabilities of your chosen machine and carefully evaluate your options for each use case:

• Colour management
• Media selection
• File preparation requirements

In addition to choosing the proper setup for your current purpose, regularly calibrating your printer will keep the output predictable and consistent.

Knowing the difference between digital printing for poster and large format applications can help you select the right tools. The HP DesignJet series is specially designed for industries like AEC. Now, AEC firms can take advantage of our HP DesignJet promo to find a great deal on a large format printer that suits all of their needs.